Gourmet Italian Meatloaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup sun-dried tomato packed in oil, removed from oil and chopped (equates to approximately half of a 7 oz jar)
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup finely chopped onion (approximately 1 small onion)
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil (approximately 3 or 4 stalks)
1/2 cup finely shredded sharp provolone cheese (approximately 2 ounces)
2 large eggs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
cooking spray
1/3 cup ketchup, for topping

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the 1/2 cup ketchup, breadcrumbs, onion, basil, cheese, eggs, garlic, tomatoes, and ground beef and mix thoroughly with hands.
Transfer meat mixture to a 9x5 inch metal loaf pan which has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Spread 1/3 cup ketchup on the top of loaf.
Bake @ 350 for 1 hour or until meat thermometer in center registers 160 degrees.
Let stand for at least 10 minutes. This will allows meat juices to be retained and your meatloaf will then cut into beautiful slices that retain their shape. You can either slice it in the pan or remove entire loaf to a platter which is garnished with a few additional sprigs of basil for tableside presentation and slicing.